Strangie seen as a likely successor to Fila at Lynn English High School

Although there is an apparent search to replace English High School Principal Andrew Fila who retired last week, Vice-Principal Thomas Strangie is believed to be the most likely successor to Fila.

“He was Fila’s alter ego. He has been virtually running the high school himself for quite some time. Many of the teachers believe he will follow in his footsteps,” said an English High School teacher who wished to remain unnamed.

“He does a great job. He runs a tight ship. He is good at academics and good at discipline. We’d all be very surprised if Tom didn’t get the call,” she added.

Superintendent Catherine Latham recently said she expects to make a decision in two weeks.

Fila announced his retirement last week with an e-mail to his teachers and administrators.

He began teaching here in 1965 and had worked here for 45 years before announcing he was leaving.

His announcement caught most administrators and educators in the city by surprise.

He served as vice-principal at Eastern Junior High School.

He took over as English High School principal in 2000.

Fila was a great ice hockey player and served as an assistant ice hockey coach at Boston University.